ReadWrite - pebblehttp://readwrite.com/tag/pebble
enCopyright 2015 Wearable World Inc.http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssTue, 03 Mar 2015 10:48:00 -0800Beyond The Smartwatch: Pebble Unleashes The Smartstrap<!-- tml-version="2" --><p>The Pebble Time, the smartwatch startup's third-generation device, has raised <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises">$12 million in preorders</a> on Kickstarter <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">since its debut last week</a>. Get ready to watch that number tick up higher.</p><p>On Tuesday at Mobile World Congress, Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky announced a new version of Pebble Time, the Pebble Time Steel. Like the previous Pebble Steel, the Time Steel is a higher-end version of the smartwatch, and it's available for preorder for $250.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">Meet The New Pebble Time—Though Getting One Will Take ... Time</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The 40,000 people who preordered the Pebble Time for $159 or $179 can upgrade and keep their May delivery date. Migicovsky teased that the audience at Wearable World Congress, <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/eric-migicovsky-wearable-world-congress">where Migicovsky will sit with me for an on-stage conversation on May 19</a>, will likely be wearing Pebble Times if they got their preorders in.</p><div tml-image="ci01c8858430012a83" tml-image-caption="The Pebble Time will support both old and new apps." tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4NDk5MzkxMDkzODM5MTIy.jpg" /><figcaption>The Pebble Time will support both old and new apps.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>Wrist-To-Wrist With Apple</h2><p>It's in Pebble's best interest to lock in those orders, because the Apple Watch is coming in April. Migicovsky has an answer for that. Pebble already lets developers build apps for its smartwatches. Now it's going to let others build hardware for Pebbles, too.</p><p>What kind of accessory can you put on a smartwatch? Well, Pebble <a href="https://getpebble.com/shop/pebble_straps">already sells straps</a>. For the Pebble Time and Time Steel, you can now build what Migicovsky calls a "smartstrap."</p><p>The smartstraps attach to the Pebble's charging port, exchanging both data and power, which Migicovsky says is a first. One kind of smartstrap could be a battery that extends a Pebble's working life. Another smartstrap type might be a heart-rate sensor that draws power from the Pebble's battery instead. A GPS sensor could turn a Pebble smartwatch into a fitness tracker that can monitor runs without tethering to a phone—<a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/09/11/apple-watch-no-gps-no-thanks">something the Apple Watch won't be able to do at launch</a>.</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See Also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/eric-migicovsky-wearable-world-congress">Hear From Pebble's Eric Migicovsky At Wearable World Congress</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>"When you start adding sensors, it makes the [device] bigger," Migicovsky told me. "You don't need that GPS all day, you only need it for particular situations."</p><p>Migicovsky argues that it will be far easier to create a smartstrap than a standalone device or an all-in-one smartwatch with more built-in features: "The sensor doesn't need a battery, doesn't need a charger, doesn't need a microcontroller."</p><p>Smartstraps will be easy to hack on, he promises. </p><p>"We'll have a few things you have to sign," Migicovsky said. "If you're a hacker and want to create hardware that works with it, go for it. I bet someone's going to make an Arduino smart strap."</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1a55001c80a" tml-image-caption="Smartstraps could turn Pebble Time smartwatches into GPS sportwatches, fitness trackers, or anything else hardware manufacturers can dream up." tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODA0ODM4NDE0ODE0.png" /><figcaption>Smartstraps could turn Pebble Time smartwatches into GPS sportwatches, fitness trackers, or anything else hardware manufacturers can dream up.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>A Wired-In Platform</h2><p>In the past, Migicovsky has talked about Pebble's smartwatches acting as a hub for other connected devices, bypassing smartphones. But that vision <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/04/09/bluetooth-internet-ditch-phone">relied on the very newest Bluetooth technology</a>, which isn't seeing widespread adoption in the marketplace yet.</p><p>Migicovsky said Pebble "hasn't set a date yet" for Bluetooth connectivity, but "it's on the roadmap." For now, smartstraps are the way to build on Pebble hardware.</p><p>Pebble is also taking care of the 26,000 developers it has signed up to build apps for its watches. The Pebble Time will run older apps, for those who don't care to <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/26/pebble-time-sdk-preview-now-available">update for the Time's new color screen</a>. And in June or July, Pebble plans to release a software update for its older watches that will let them run the same software as the Time.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c886c6a00199de" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4NTAwNzcyOTk5NTM5MzMx.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>"We can't say we'll support the old hardware forever," said Migicovsky. But the company is trying very hard to treat developers well.&nbsp;"That's all that really matters: developers and users," he said.</p><p>It will be interesting to see how many preorders Pebble draws for the Pebble Time Steel. It's now&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/most-funded">$1.3 million short of the current record for a Kickstarter campaign</a>. And it will also be crucial to see how swiftly developers and hardware makers create new apps and smartstraps. </p><p>If Pebble succeeds in competing with Apple, it won't be by building something sleeker or more powerful. It will win by being more open.</p><p><em>Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky is speaking at Wearable World Congress on May 19. <a href="http://wwcongress.com/">Order your tickets now and get $100 off the early-bird price by using the code READWRITE</a>.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Product and promo images courtesy of Pebble; all other photos by Owen Thomas for ReadWrite</em></p>Now you can hardware-hack the Pebble, too.http://readwrite.com/2015/03/03/pebble-time-steel-smartstraps
http://readwrite.com/2015/03/03/pebble-time-steel-smartstrapsWearTue, 03 Mar 2015 05:25:19 -0800Owen ThomasPebble: It's Time To Preview Our New App Development Tools<!-- tml-version="2" --><p>Thursday, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises/posts">Pebble released a preview</a> of its software development kit for its <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">new smartwatch platform and&nbsp;Pebble Time&nbsp;device</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>With&nbsp;SDK 3.0,&nbsp;the company touts the ease with which developers will be able to create new apps for Pebble Time, or let older apps take advantage of the new color screen. The preview features&nbsp;documentation for the new Timeline APIs as well, an emulator to test apps and a migration guide, to help them in the process.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/eric-migicovsky-wearable-world-congress">Hear From Pebble's Eric Migicovsky At Wearable World Congress</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The kit also offers a few more details of what app makers and consumers can expect with the new software and hardware.&nbsp;</p><h2>Time To Upgrade</h2><p>The original Pebble and the new Time share <a href="http://developer.getpebble.com/sdk/whats-new/#hardware-comparison">many of the same fundamental specifications</a>, which should help minimize complication. For instance, both devices feature a 144 x 168 display resolution, four buttons—with three on the right and one on the left—and the same sensors for the accelerometer and compass. So there's no need for developers to remap the inputs in their apps or adapt to a different screen size.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1aa100199de" tml-image-caption="While both Pebble and Pebble Time have the same number of buttons and internal sensors, the new device will feature a new microphone for developers to play with." tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODIxNzQ5ODcwNTYy.png" /><figcaption>While both Pebble and Pebble Time have the same number of buttons and internal sensors, the new device will feature a new microphone for developers to play with.</figcaption></figure></div><p>As for differences, the new watch will come bearing several. Time's processor boasts a higher CPU frequency, 100 MHz compared to the original's&nbsp;64 MHz, which could offer snappier performance. The main hardware attractions, of course, are Time's 64-color e-paper display and microphone, which the black-and-white previous model didn't have. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The new developer kit also raised the limit on app sizes, more than doubling the limit in the old version, from 24k to 64k. The maximum cap on related resources jumped too,&nbsp;going from 96k to 256k.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">Meet The New Pebble Time—Though Getting One Will Take ... Time</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Pebble's desire to reduce complexity and offer improvements seem evident in these changes. However, they also suggest that older hardware may not support the&nbsp;new and beefier Time apps so well.&nbsp;</p><h2>Moving Forward, But Looking Back</h2><p>Pebble offers a few resources to help orient app creators, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises/posts/1148025">including an emulator</a>—which can be handy for testing, considering no one outside of the company actually has a Pebble Time device.&nbsp;</p><p>A company spokesperson explained that "the SDK now includes an entire emulator (in the cloud or on your local machine) so you can try out your apps before you get your Pebble Time."&nbsp;</p><p>The kit also features a set of developer guides, including a&nbsp;"<a href="http://developer.getpebble.com/sdk/migration-guide/">migration guide</a>" (for updating old apps) and a&nbsp;<a href="http://developer.getpebble.com/sdk/migration-guide/#backwards-compatibility">backwards-compatibility</a> guide.&nbsp;The latter covers tools in SDK 3.0 that let developers write or make changes once, and then compile two separate versions of the app tailored for each device:&nbsp;“By catering for both cases, you can ensure your app will run and look good on both platforms with minimal effort,” the guide reads. “This avoids the need to maintain two Pebble projects for one app.”</p><p>Apps relying on PebbleKit Android “will need to be re-compiled in Android Studio (or similar) with the PebbleKit 3.0 library,” but developers don't have to make changes to their code. PebbleKit iOS apps won't have to be re-compiled.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c82478a0019512" tml-image-caption="A diagram of how Timeline will work with apps on the new Pebble Time" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzkyNjg1ODUyNjA4NTIy.png" /><figcaption>A diagram of how Timeline will work with apps on the new Pebble Time</figcaption></figure></div><p>The other key component in the SDK is the<a href="http://developer.getpebble.com/guides/timeline/">&nbsp;Timeline guide</a>, which explains how&nbsp;apps will work with Pebble's new chronological structure for app data. The main idea involves putting data from multiple apps into one easily navigable place. In this context, developers will be able to "pin" certain types of data to this construct.&nbsp;</p><p>Pebble app developers may be wise to jump on these tools quickly, to make sure their apps are ready when Pebble Time ships. The device may become the company's most popular yet—its new Kickstarter project has already exceeded its first record-breaking campaign, beating that $10.3 million figure. It's now on track to become another record-breaker.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-million-dollar-kickstarter-record">Pebble Time Hits $1M On Kickstarter In Under An Hour</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The current most-funded Kickstarter project&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises">set a benchmark of $13.3 million</a>.&nbsp;As of this writing,&nbsp;Pebble Time has nabbed nearly 50,000 backers who have pledged <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises/posts">more than $10.5 million</a>&nbsp;in two days,&nbsp;with 29 more to go. After the campaign closes, the first units will&nbsp;ship near the end of May to those Kickstarter backers.&nbsp;</p><p>In other words, it's time to get those apps ready.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Images courtesy of Pebble</em></p>Developers, Pebble wants to help you get apps ready in Time with new SDK.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/26/pebble-time-sdk-preview-now-available
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/26/pebble-time-sdk-preview-now-availableWearThu, 26 Feb 2015 14:59:55 -0800Brian P. RubinHear From Pebble's Eric Migicovsky At Wearable World Congress<!-- tml-version="2" --><p>Eric Migicovsky has done it again.</p><p>The Pebble Time, his <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">newest smartwatch</a>, has <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-million-dollar-kickstarter-record">attracted a million dollars in preorders on Kickstarter</a><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises"></a> ... in 33 minutes.</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also:&nbsp;<a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">Meet The New Pebble Time—Though Getting One Will Take ... Time</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Why the hunger for a smartwatch that won't ship until May? Because Migicovsky has shown how to build a fiercely loyal community around a new category of device.</p><p>That's why I've invited him to be a keynote speaker at <a href="http://wwcongress.com/">Wearable World Congress</a>, the first big event ReadWrite is putting on with <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/05/readwrite-wearable-world">our new business partners, Wearable World</a>.</p><p>Wearable World Congress takes place May 19-20 in our new home at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. It's an incredibly inspiring venue, right next to the Presidio National Park and San Francisco Bay.&nbsp;</p><p>It doesn't hurt that Pebble is expecting to ship its Time smartwatch to backers in May. We're hoping Migicovsky will be sporting one on stage.</p><p>There will be plenty of buzz about the Time and other smartwatches by then. We're going to talk about far more than wearable devices at the event, though. The conversation will feature ReadWrite's editors in conversation with some of the deepest thinkers in technology today, exploring what it will take to build the Internet of Things, how we'll make sense of the flood of data connected devices create, and where these new technologies are taking us as a society.</p><h2>How Pebble Made It</h2><p>We'll hear from Migicovsky on how he built on the original Pebble's success to do it again with the Pebble Time. I'll ask him about how he's gone beyond hobbyists and tinkerers to sign up the likes of Mercedes-Benz and ESPN as Pebble developers. And he may offer a surprising take on the Apple Watch.</p><p>I can't wait—and I expect you can't either. So sign up now to get tickets for Wearable World Congress at a great price. ReadWrite readers can get $100 off our early-bird price of $499—<a href="http://wwcongress.com/">just use the code READWRITE</a>. (We're just starting to announce all the great speakers we'll have at the Congress, so this is a great chance to secure your tickets before they're gone.)</p><p>For a teaser, here's the <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/04/10/readwritemix-recap-pebble-smartwatch-eric-migicovsky-interview">talk Migicovsky and I had at last year's ReadWriteMix</a>:</p>Announcing our first keynote speaker.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/eric-migicovsky-wearable-world-congress
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/eric-migicovsky-wearable-world-congressWearTue, 24 Feb 2015 08:10:39 -0800Owen ThomasPebble Time Hits $1M On Kickstarter In Under An Hour<!-- tml-version="2" --><div tml-image="ci01c7f5926001c80a" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/MTI4MzQxMTE5NjY5OTQ2Mzc4.gif" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>It took only 20 minutes for the Time, the <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform">latest smartwatch from Pebble unveiled Tuesday at 7 a.m. Pacific</a>, to meet its <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises/description">Kickstarter</a> crowdfunding goal of $500,000. In fact, only 34 minutes after launching, Pebble Time hit a million bucks in crowdfunding, and it's set to cross $2 million less than an hour after launch.&nbsp;</p><p>It shows no sign of slowing down: If anything, Pebble Time backers are hitting the accelerator.</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1aa90019512" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODIxNzQ5ODIwMDM1.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble seems keenly aware of the ridiculously high demand for the Time, having doubled the number of early-bird backer levels available on Kickstarter from 5,000 to 10,000. At that tier, backers can buy the Pebble Time at $159, a $40 discount from its planned retail price of $199.&nbsp;</p><p>Its other tiers have also been increased to accommodate the ever-growing number of backers, which, as of this writing, is well on its way to hitting 10,000 within the first hour of the campaign’s existence.</p><blockquote><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/04/09/pebble-technology-smartwatch-office-headquarters-tour">Take A Look Inside At What Makes Pebble Tick</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Pebble was born on Kickstarter back in 2012, and has since become known as the company responsible for making the smartwatch product category viable. Despite some <a href="http://readwrite.com/2013/07/09/why-i-cancelled-my-pebble-smartwatch-order">rocky moments with the original Pebble campaign</a>—largely due to the incredible demand—backers look willing to bet big on the company’s ability to deliver with the new Pebble Time, which has an estimated delivery date of this May.</p><p>However, as with every Kickstarter campaign, increased success brings the possibility that a creator won’t be able to meet higher order demands. While Pebble is a seasoned smartwatch manufacturer at this point, it’s entirely possible that the overwhelming success of its campaign so far could be more than it can handle when it comes time to produce the Time in large quantities.</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1c000012a83" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2OTIwMjY1NjMyMzg3.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Let’s hope that Pebble knew what a hit it had up its sleeve this whole time, and that we’ll all be wearing our new Time smartwatches this summer. Meanwhile, there's no telling how high its pledge total will go by the time its campaign ends in 30 days.</p><p><em>Photos courtesy of Pebble; GIF by Lauren Orsini for ReadWrite</em></p>Rewriting Kickstarter history.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-million-dollar-kickstarter-record
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-million-dollar-kickstarter-recordWearTue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:31 -0800Brian P. RubinMeet The New Pebble Time—Though Getting One Will Take ... Time<!-- tml-version="2" --><p>Don’t call Pebble’s new smartwatch platform a reboot. That implies scrapping the old and ushering in the new. Consider the new software and its new companion product, dubbed Pebble Time, a progression of the Pebbles that came before.</p><p>The old models aren't going anywhere. They're just going to be joined by something a bit flashier.</p><p>That flash comes from the color display, on-screen animations and a brand-new microphone—all stuffed into a device that’s 20% thinner, founder Eric Migicovsky told me. Even better, he says the device “still has a 7-day battery life,” like the previous Pebble watches.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015">What Pebble Needs To Get Right With Its New Smartwatch Platform</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>There’s a lot to unpack with the announcements, both for consumers and the software developers that make up Pebble’s life blood. Its existing ecosystem is populated by thousands of watch faces and apps, and by the company's count, it has sold a million watches so far. To evolve, Pebble has to move carefully—updating its technology and products without leaving its existing customers and developers in the lurch. </p><p>Here’s what Pebble has in store for its next phase. </p><h2><strong>Time For A New Smartwatch</strong></h2><div tml-image="ci01c7f1aa90019512" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODIxNzQ5ODIwMDM1.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>First things first: The new Pebble Time isn't available yet. In fact, Pebble will once again <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises">take orders via Kickstarter</a>, with the first hardware shipping in May. (Details below.)</p><p>But expect some surprises when you do see it. "This is the largest change we’ve made to our product line since we launched on Kickstarter the first time,” Migicovsky said, referring to his 2012 campaign that raised more than $10 million.</p><p>The original Pebble featured a two-tone e-paper display, similar to those found on Kindle e-readers. Such screens are legible in daylight with minimal battery drain. Although basic, they were somewhat charmingly so.</p><p>Now those charms have worn thin—particularly as rivals emerge with beautiful high-definition displays. Pebble Time now comes armed with a palette too. There’s still no comparison with HD displays, of course, but the color e-paper screen still preserves the battery, allowing the display to stay on at all times. It also helps the smoother animations Pebble now offers, which look more appealing in color than in grayscale.&nbsp;</p><p>On the inside, the biggest change is a new microphone.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1a55001c80a" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODA0ODM4NDE0ODE0.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>I <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015">previously wondered</a> if Pebble would integrate speech; practically all of the major smartwatches do, and the Apple Watch will, thanks to Siri. Now Pebble Time will be the company’s first model to offer voice features. The device will support five languages to start—including English, French and Spanish, with others, such as Chinese, planned in the future.</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/pebble-android-wear-notifications">How Pebble Became The Cheapest Android Smartwatch Around</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Making calls from the wrist, however, is not on the menu. "We’ve decided not to offer that functionality,” said Migicovsky. “There’s no speaker on the watch either. We did it mainly to emphasize what the best use-case is in the early days—being able to send quick voice responses or take voice notes.”</p><p>The team is working on the ability to send short audio clips, though, and creative app developers might be able to use speech in other ways. They'll "get an open API in the future, so that anyone can build apps on top of that,” he said. </p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1c000012a83" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2OTIwMjY1NjMyMzg3.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>The new Pebble—like the old one—will still last about a week, Migicovsky claims. (In my own real-world experience, the original Pebble tends to go for roughly 5 days between charges.) Of course, your results may vary. If you run animation-intensive applications all the time, Migicovsky admits you’ll probably zap that battery.</p><p>Pebble Time will also remain fully water-resistant—no small feat, considering it has a microphone—and comes with a sensor array that includes an accelerometer (for movement) and a magnetometer (for a compass).</p><p>On the outside, the watch features a curved body to fit the wrist,&nbsp;rounded corners,&nbsp;a Gorilla Glass display, a stainless steel bezel, a new hardware port that allows sensor and fitness accessory makers to connect directly with the device, and a silicon watchband sized at a standard 22mm, so people can change it out easily using the quick-release pin in the strap. </p><h2><strong>OK, Pebble: Notify Me</strong></h2><div tml-image="ci01c7f1a530019512" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODA0ODM4Mzg2MzA3.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>One of the Pebble's longstanding annoyances has been the number of button presses necessary just to get to certain apps and other functions. The new software aims to improve on that—in part by shifting away from a focus on apps to one that highlights chronological notifications.</p><p>“[The smartwatch] has notifications, apps and watch faces,” Migicovsky said. "It’s good and simple, but when you add more apps, features and notifications, it gets overwhelming.” This is the vexing problem of growing an open platform that could bring forth hundreds, even thousands, of functions. But without an efficient way of navigating that, things can quickly become a frustrating mess, especially on a teeny tiny screen sitting on your wrist.&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/23/pebble-smartwatch-color-leak-image-voice-wearable">Pebble Leaked Image Supposedly Reveals New Look</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Ultimately, Pebble decided on a structure befitting a watch: a timeline. “Instead of having individual apps, we’ve extracted the information from those apps that are relevant to you in your normal day,” Migicovsky said. The new Pebble software now pulls in data based on chronology for contextually aware features. Users can call up activities that just happened, future events and data relevant at the present time by pressing respective up, down and middle buttons on the watch.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1a8b001efe2" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a2.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODIwNDA3NjcxMjYy.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>The information can include yesterday’s step count, tomorrow’s appointments and the current weather, as well as travel plans, reminders, news, reservations and other data.</p><p>"You see the past view, and you can scroll up to see what just happened,” said Migicovsky. “The really cool animations is what we’re calling the present feed, which is the new app menu.” Once within a particular area, users can scroll through different types of data. "Thanks to a new widget view, each app can actually display a little bit of information in the menu screen, so users don’t have to actually have to go over to the app itself," he said.&nbsp;</p><p>The new software will come with a new software developers kit, though Pebble hasn’t announced a specific release date yet. But it will be available soon, he said—a matter of “days or weeks, not months.” When it arrives, developers will be able to support the new Timeline, the new color screen, animations and voice features.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1aa40019512" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a1.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODIxNzQ5ODYwMzYy.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble's new Android Wear support will extend to the new operating system as well, and even Web developers will get access to Timeline. "They no longer have to write apps that run on Pebble, and they no longer have to run Android or iOS apps," he said. "They can write it entirely in Web languages, and interact with an <a href="http://oauth.net/">OAuth</a>-based, http end client."&nbsp;</p><p>The software will also be backward compatible, running the 6,500 apps and watch faces currently in Pebble's app store.&nbsp;As for current Pebble smartwatches—including the original plastic versions and the premium steel model—the company is working to bring the new OS to those older devices.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7f1a67001efe2" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,w_620/MTI4MzM2ODA0ODM4NDM2ODM0.png" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble returns to Kickstarter to launch the new Pebble Time beginning Tuesday with pledges starting at $159. (After the campaign, the full retail price will be $199.) The device—available in red, white or black—supports iPhones, including the 4s and newer models running current versions of iOS 8, plus Android smartphones running version 4.0 and later, which covers devices by Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, Google, Motorola, Xiaomi and others. The campaign will end in late March and begin shipping in the latter part of May.&nbsp;</p><p>With the Apple Watch's debut in April, smartwatch customers will soon have a bevy of choices. But that suits Migicovsky just fine. "I think it's going to be extraordinarily exciting," he said. "There's going to be a ton of attention in this space."&nbsp;</p><p><em>Images courtesy of Pebble.</em></p>It's got a color screen, voice and a new operating system.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platform
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/24/pebble-time-smartwatch-new-platformWearTue, 24 Feb 2015 07:00:00 -0800Adriana LeePebble Leaked Image Supposedly Reveals New Look<!-- tml-version="2" --><div tml-image="ci01c7e07530032a83" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MzE3OTA3Nzg3NjE3NTU0.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>A new version of the Pebble smartwatch is right around the corner, and a leaked image—first posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://9to5google.com/2015/02/23/new-wider-pebble-leaks/">9to5Google</a>&nbsp;and found on Pebble's own servers early&nbsp;Monday—may give us a glimpse of what to expect.</p><p>The originally leaked image reveals a redesigned chassis and a color display, which would be big departures for Pebble. Its current offerings have sharper corners and a two-tone e-paper display. Other rumors suggest new features, such as voice, which has been long overdue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/10/swatch-smartwatch-apple-watch-pebble">Swatch’s Smartwatch Is No Threat To Apple—But Pebble Should Look Out</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Fortunately, it won't take much time until we know how many of the leaks and rumors pan out. The company is on the verge of announcing new hardware and software, and a <a href="https://getpebble.com/#/CXUMxf:Ftw">countdown clock on Pebble’s homepage</a> can be seen ticking down to 10 a.m. Eastern tomorrow. In the meantime, let's take a look at what could be heading our way.&nbsp;</p><h2>Color Display, Microphone, and a New OS Rumored</h2><p>According to&nbsp;<a href="http://9to5google.com/2015/02/23/new-wider-pebble-leaks/">9to5Google</a>, the leaked image (featured, above) showed a new version of the Pebble watch with a yellow screen. &nbsp;</p><p>A person close to Pebble claims that the image is not legitimate. However, ReadWrite confirmed the file's appearance on Pebble's server this morning. Since then, the image has changed, with the link now pointing to an entirely different&nbsp;file.&nbsp;</p><p>As of this writing, the replacement now shows&nbsp;<a href="https://getpebble.com/assets/chromeo/figures/important-498f2948dc15c9b8d5883394635c209d.png">a very different sort of pebble</a> (below).&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01c7e35ba00199de" tml-image-caption="This is probably not the new Pebble." tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MzIxMDk1OTk1NTQxNTE0.jpg" /><figcaption>This is probably not the new Pebble.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Last week, 9to5Google&nbsp;<a href="http://9to5mac.com/2015/02/19/pebble-teases-new-model-sources-say-thinner-watch-with-color-screen-in-the-works/">covered other rumored features for the smartwatch</a>, including a thinner design, a microphone for use with “Nuance voice recognition software,” a better backlight, and a revamped operating system developed by the team that created Palm’s webOS. (Ironically, the latter&nbsp;<a href="http://wearableworldnews.com/2015/01/08/lgs-webos-smartwatch-real-ces/">may wind up in a new LG smartwatch</a>). The report also says that the next version of Pebble will run on a Cortex M4 processor and feature a 6-axis gyroscope.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015">What Pebble Needs To Get Right With Its New Smartwatch Platform</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Pebble recently released a firmware update for its current smartwatch models that <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/pebble-android-wear-notifications">allows for some Android Wear compatibility</a>. Since many Android Wear apps use voice commands, it would not be entirely surprising to see the new Pebble come packing a microphone. And whether or not the leaked image is the real deal, it seems long overdue for Pebble to embrace the world of color displays.&nbsp;</p><h2>No touching!</h2><div tml-image="ci01c7e065800199de" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MzE3ODM5NjA1MDExNzMw.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>A touchscreen display, however, is <a href="http://media.tumblr.com/114f243fe17936f6d13c42ade964c85a/tumblr_inline_mgxqv8LqxI1qabnl2.jpg">conspicuously absent</a>&nbsp;from the rumors.&nbsp;</p><p>One might think Pebble would go the touchscreen route to keep up with the forthcoming Apple Watch. Then again, maybe the company is leaving it out to maintain its long-lasting battery life—certainly <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015">one of the device’s strongest selling points</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>The likelihood that Pebble would sacrifice that seems slim to none, but we'll find out when the countdown clock hits zero tomorrow.&nbsp;</p><p><em> Images courtesy of Pebble</em></p>Pebble, allegedly in living color.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/23/pebble-smartwatch-color-leak-image-voice-wearable
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/23/pebble-smartwatch-color-leak-image-voice-wearableWearMon, 23 Feb 2015 11:42:35 -0800Brian P. RubinHow Pebble Became The Cheapest Android Smartwatch Around<!-- tml-version="2" --><div tml-image="ci01c765bac001c80a" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MTgyOTY2MDg5MTY1NDQz.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebblers with Android smartphones can now <a href="https://blog.getpebble.com/2015/02/16/ad-23-public/">receive and respond to Android Wear notifications</a>, a big step forward that might&nbsp;actually make the Pebble the least expensive Android Wear smartwatch currently available.</p><p>A new firmware update basically bring to Pebble the same active notifications that Android Wear users enjoy on their fancier—and more expensive—smartwatches. A navigation app's notifications, for instance, will appear as turn-by-turn directions on the watch; a music app's notifications could let you pause, skip a song and adjust the volume.</p><p>While the new addition isn't as easy-to-use as it is on Android Wear devices (users can't swipe to interact with notifications, and instead have to navigate the Pebble's menus via its side buttons), it'll still&nbsp;helps the elder statesman of the smartwatch world stay competitive as the countdown to the Apple Watch continues.</p><h2>Androidizing Your Pebble</h2><div tml-image="ci01c765c0e001c80a" tml-image-caption="Square Cash via Android Wear notifications on the Pebble smartwatch." tml-render-layout="right"><figure><img src="http://a1.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MTgyOTkyNjY0MzAyODY2.jpg" /><figcaption>Square Cash via Android Wear notifications on the Pebble smartwatch.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Start by updating your Pebble to the latest firmware (version 2.9), then download version 2.3.0 of the Pebble Android app from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getpebble.android">Google Play Store</a>. From there, you'll also need to also install the Android Wear app.</p><p>The <a href="http://help.getpebble.com/customer/portal/articles/1819783-android---actionable-notifications">Pebble troubleshooting page</a> explains a few workarounds for making the new Android Wear features work to your liking. Depending on the apps, there still may be a few hiccups along the way.</p><p>There are some unexpected pluses as well. Android Wear notifications on Pebble will allow users to store canned responses that users can send in response to text messages—a feature still missing from Android Wear without the use of <a href="http://wearableworldnews.com/2015/01/14/wearresponses-app-solves-one-android-wears-biggest-problems/">a third-party app</a>. &nbsp;The update also allows users to receive Gmail notifications and send and receive money via Square Cash.</p><h2><strong>Is Pebble's Gain Android Wear's Loss?</strong></h2><p>There are still some unknowns as well. It's not clear that Pebble will handle all Android Wear notifications with equal grace, or if some won't work at all. And we don't know if Pebble has a "whitelist" of Android apps whose notifications will definitely work with the watch. I've reached out to Pebble and will update if I hear back. <strong>(See update below.)</strong></p><p>Meanwhile, Pebble’s embrace of this Android Wear feature may have other implications worth considering. Google’s hardware partners are already&nbsp;<a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/htc-samsung-lg-stick-with-google-android-wear">hedging their bets on Android Wear</a> by embracing alternative operating systems<a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/htc-samsung-lg-stick-with-google-android-wear"></a>, either as replacements for Google or as experiments they could turn to should Android Wear falter.</p><p>Pebble’s Android Wear compatibility might, conceivably, strengthen the software platform by greatly expanding its wearable reach. On the other hand, if the integration works well, Pebble might well become a less expensive alternative that could ultimately impact the already limited sales of dedicated Android Wear smartwatches.</p><p><strong>Update:&nbsp;</strong>A spokesperson from Pebble has reached out to ReadWrite to further elaborate on the new Android Wear feature in the latest firmware update.</p><p>"Pebble can perform any action or interact that is possible on an Android wear device in response to an incoming message, except for reply by voice," said Rachel Manson from Pebble's press team. "On top of that, Pebble can respond with things that Android Wear cannot at this time. For example, Pebble lets you reply to any notification with emoji, something that regular Android Wear watches cannot do right now."</p><p>As far as whether there's a list of pre-approved compatible apps, Manson says "there is no 'whitelist.' All notifications will work out of the box."</p><p><em>Photos courtesy of Pebble</em></p>With Android Wear notifications, it's only a few steps from the real thing.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/pebble-android-wear-notifications
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/17/pebble-android-wear-notificationsWearTue, 17 Feb 2015 13:31:39 -0800Brian P. RubinSwatch’s Smartwatch Is No Threat To Apple—But Pebble Should Look Out<!-- tml-version="2" --><p>Swatch, a giant in plastic wristwatches circa 1983, has a plan to recapture our hearts and wrists, but in a distinctly newfangled way. According to a recent <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-05/swatch-plans-smartwatch-to-compete-with-apple-watch-s-debut">Bloomberg report</a>, the Swiss watchmaker will release its first smartwatch this spring.</p><p>The launch window would seem to pit the Swatch wearable against the Apple Watch, coming in April. At least, that's the popular narrative building around the new SmartSwatch (or whatever it’s called).</p><blockquote><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/01/27/apple-watch-launch-release-april-official-tim-cook">The Apple Watch Is Coming In April</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>But the notion is flawed, to say the least. Based on the details, the two devices won’t be in direct competition with each other, so Apple has nothing to worry about from the Swiss watchmaker.&nbsp;</p><p>Pebble, on the other hand, does. </p><h2><strong>Pitching Apples</strong></h2><div tml-image="ci01c6c99b00012a83" tml-image-caption="A wall of Swatches&amp;nbsp;" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI4MDExMzA1MTA0NzQxNjUw.jpg" /><figcaption>A wall of Swatches&amp;nbsp;</figcaption></figure></div><p>When Swatch watches burst onto the scene, big hair and Duran Duran ruled the world. Over the years, it <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/23/business/global/23swatch.html?pagewanted=all">remained a popular brand</a> for analog timepieces, but couldn’t quite make up its mind about its next stage of evolution.&nbsp;</p><p>CEO Nick Hayek Jr. has flip-flopped on connected watches. While introducing a wrist-based two-way communicator called Swatch Talk in 2000, he <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/26/business/dick-tracy-s-cellular-swatch-watch.html">told the New York Times</a> that "the Internet watch will be even more successful than the mobile.” Then two years ago, he <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-06/swatch-chief-hayek-skeptical-that-watch-could-replace-an-iphone">essentially dismissed the smartwatch’s prospects</a>, only to state last year that <a href="http://de.reuters.com/article/companiesNews/idDEKBN0FW0EW20140727">his company was working on one</a> for release this year.&nbsp;</p><p>Assuming he sticks with the current plan, Swatch will become the latest to join the ranks of Timex, Fossil, Tag Heuer and Montblanc—all noted watchmakers who have all announced or released their own high-tech wristwear. So, of course, have many of the world’s major tech companies.</p><p>Prior to Apple's own smartwatch announcement last fall, in fact, rumors circulated that it was collaborating with Swatch on a wrist gadget. Hayek <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/31/us-swatch-smartwatches-idUSKBN0GV09520140831">denied it</a> last year, when he outed his company’s own plans to go it alone. </p><p>It makes for juicy context. So does the fact that Swatch reportedly also plans to support mobile payments, possibly with its own system—a category that Apple Pay helped popularize.</p><p>So the setting seems ripe for a skirmish between tech giant Apple and Swatch, the wristwatch heavyweight, duking it out in a wearables arena. Headlines like <a href="http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2015/02/05/swatch-readies-apple-watch-killer/">this</a>, <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/288997/forget-iwatch-swatch-planning-smart-watch-2015/">this</a> and <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2015/02/05/swatch-apple-watch/">this</a> suggest as much. Too bad it’s all hogwash.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01bd2e0280009512" tml-image-caption="The Apple Watch" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI1MzA2OTUyMTAzMjcwODc4.jpg" /><figcaption>The Apple Watch</figcaption></figure></div><p>Most smartwatches must pair to mobile devices, so their target users are narrowly defined as users of specific smartphone platforms. According to Hayek, the Swatch device will only support Android and Windows. Part of the reason may go back to the way the SmartSwatch will connect to phones. Instead of typical Bluetooth pairing, Swatch will use the short-range wireless technology Near Field Communication.</p><p>The latest iPhones support NFC, and the Apple Watch will as well—but for Apple Pay’s tap-to-pay feature. Apple hasn't yet allowed any other use of its NFC technology, which nixes any chance that Swatch could somehow tie into it. </p><p>The bottom line: This SmartSwatch cannot possibly compete against Apple’s own watch when it comes to iOS users. </p><h2><strong>Bumps In The Road For Pebble</strong></h2><p>Pebble and Swatch, however, have more in common.&nbsp;</p><div tml-image="ci01af657b49c8860d" tml-image-caption="Pebble smartwatches" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTIxNDI3Mjk1MTU1NDIyNzMz.jpg" /><figcaption>Pebble smartwatches</figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble works with both iOS and Android, the latter a crucial target customer for Swatch. They also share similar brand identities. The Swatch name is mostly associated with affordable, plasticky watches sold in a range of styles and colors. In the realm of smartwatches, that's Pebble’s jam.</p><p>Swatch will likely release its smart wearable under its own name, rather than one of its premium product lines. (It owns Omega, Longines, Rado, Tissot and Blancpain.) Luxury tech is hard to pull off credibly, and it’s tough to see the company risking the reputation of its higher-ticket brands with an unproven gadget category—especially one it keeps changing its mind about. </p><p>Not that the company lacks the experience to pull it off. Swatch learned about the challenges of stuffing components into a small body with the Swatch Talk, and now it produces the Swatch Touch—a touchscreen watch that will <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/288997/forget-iwatch-swatch-planning-smart-watch-2015/">soon offer fitness features as well</a>. (Its upcoming wearable will also support step tracking and other related features.)&nbsp;</p><p>Swatch is well-versed in sensor technology, and it holds a bevy of patents—including one for a thin, flexible battery "that can double performance,” Hayek told Bloomberg. </p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: </strong><a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/09/30/pebble-smartwatch-fitness-tracking-jawbone-misfit-swim-com"><strong>Pebble: It’s A Real Fitness Tracker Now And Cheaper, At $99</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Both areas plant Swatch firmly in Pebble’s territory. The startup just released built-in fitness features last fall, along with bright new colors and price cuts that slashed the original plastic Pebble from $149 to $99. (Pebble Steel’s $249 price tag dropped to $199.) As for battery life, Pebble’s 5–7 day longevity beats the typical 1–2 day range for smartwatches, thanks to its e-paper display and physical buttons. </p><p>According to Hayek, the new Swatch device won’t require charging—though he also said his fancy battery tech won’t be available until later models. However, if they live up to the promise, especially with a touchscreen on board, that could undercut one of the primary reasons people choose Pebbles. </p><p>Another is app selection. Pebble offers about 6,000 apps in its watch app store, which <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/01/31/pebble-appstore-launch">opened early last year</a>. Swatch won’t come anywhere near that for quite some time. However, Pebble&nbsp;<a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015">just announced "a new platform" of some sort</a> for later this year, which could level the development playing field. </p><p>In other words, Pebble may want to watch out. Swatch is no upstart, and though its smartwatch intentions flopped around before, now it may have finally gotten the fit right.</p><p><em>Swatch photos by Choo Chin Nian (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chinnian/6619695709">lead photo</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chinnian/4358214697">Swatches and box photo</a>); Apple Watch photo courtesy of Apple; Pebble photo by Adriana Lee for ReadWrite</em></p>Plastic smartwatches, beware.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/10/swatch-smartwatch-apple-watch-pebble
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/10/swatch-smartwatch-apple-watch-pebbleWearTue, 10 Feb 2015 06:30:00 -0800Adriana LeeWhat Pebble Needs To Get Right With Its New Smartwatch Platform<!-- tml-version="2" --><div tml-image="ci01b28163a0038266" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTIyMzAyNDAzNDM2NDQ2MzEw.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble has been the smartwatch to beat. The startup has managed to remain a top contender in a high-growth market, beating back competition from some of the world’s biggest tech companies. But it’s not resting on its laurels. It can’t, not with the Apple Watch looming.</p><p>Instead of sitting back and waiting for the market to shift, the startup has decided to change gears. <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/2/7947799/pebble-1-million-smartwatches-sold-new-hardware-coming">The Verge reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that Pebble will introduce new devices and a new software platform later this year. </p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: </strong><a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/01/22/pebble-commandwear-smartwatch-enterprise-first-responders-police-firefighters-paramedics"><strong>Pebble Strikes Deal To Become The Smartwatch Of Choice For First Responders</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>The site reported no details—and that leaves Pebble's existing technology in limbo. </p><h2><strong>This Is How The Pebble Rolls</strong></h2><p>Pebble’s strategy isn’t entirely surprising.</p><p>Founder Eric Migicovsky says his company shipped its millionth smartwatch just before year’s end, on December 31. Those last-mile sales were likely buoyed by <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/09/30/pebble-smartwatch-fitness-tracking-jawbone-misfit-swim-com">retail price cuts introduced last year</a>, a move common among device makers about to launch new products. The original plastic model dropped to $99, while the premium steel version fell to $199. </p><blockquote><p><strong>See also: <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/09/30/pebble-smartwatch-fitness-tracking-jawbone-misfit-swim-com">Pebble: It's A Real Fitness Tracker Now And Cheaper, At $99</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>With so many devices circulating in the market, it’s hard to imagine the company throwing all that away to pursue a new platform that's incompatible with its existing hardware and software. Its app store offers some 6,000 apps and watch faces, built by roughly 25,000 Pebble app developers. </p><p>I contacted the company, and founder Eric Migicovsky tried to assure me&nbsp;that his company won’t leave his community in the lurch:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p>One thing that you can be sure of is the level of commitment we have to our growing community. We've updated the software (both firmware as well as smartphone apps) on original Pebble and Steel dozens of times just in the last 6 months. Last fall, we rolled out fitness tracking to all Pebbles (including the original watches from our Kickstarter!) and we're getting ready to move Android actionable notifications out of <a href="https://blog.getpebble.com/2014/12/16/ad-23/">beta</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>We've also worked hard to do right by our developer community. Just last week we launched a Pebble emulator inside our cloud IDE, and have a ton more planned over the next few months.</p></blockquote><h2><strong>Keeping The Edge</strong></h2><p>Ultimately, Pebble’s new, yet still-undefined plans could work in a number of ways.</p><p>It could work alongside the company’s current software, allowing older apps to continue—perhaps the way parts of the <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/02/23/samsung-gear-smartwatches-tizen-android">Tizen operating system favored by Samsung</a> cooperate with Android. The plans could merely involve an evolution of Pebble’s existing technology, with backward compatibility built into the system.</p><p>The third possibility: The new “platform” may not really be much different than Pebble's&nbsp;old one, just with a few additions or expansions thrown into the mix. </p><p>If the latter is true, the plans could involve voice, a hugely popular feature in wrist-based wearable tech, as well as other sectors like smart homes and <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/06/19/mercedes-cla-pebble-smartwatch-drivestyle-integration">cars</a>—two very hyped areas Pebble is already pursuing. Supporting spoken commands and dictation would bring the wearable up to par with Android Wear and the Apple Watch, both of which rely heavily on speech to compose messages and launch watch apps. The strategy would involve software support and the integration of new hardware, both of which Pebble is planning. </p><p>There’s a down side, though: Voice features could hit the battery hard, undercutting one of the main reasons to get a Pebble. With its e-paper display and hardware buttons, the device beats its competitors hands down in time between charges, often lasting five to seven days.</p><p>Google's Android Wear, which <a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/03/18/google-smartwatch-moto-360-lg-g-android-wear">launched in mid-2014</a>, is already installed on an army of devices from Motorola, Samsung, LG, Sony, and Asus, but they only offer one to two days of battery life. The upcoming Apple Watch will require nightly charging.</p><blockquote tml-render-layout="inline"><p><strong>See also: </strong><a href="http://readwrite.com/2015/01/22/apple-watch-wearable-battery"><strong>Apple Watch Battery Supposedly Lasts Only A Couple Of Hours Under Heavy Use</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Whatever Pebble has up its sleeve, its success will hinge on introducing something new without sacrificing the best parts of the old Pebble experience. Benefits like long battery life and a broad app selection remain rare in the wearables category, and they’re advantages the Apple Watch isn't likely to match when it launches.</p><p><em>Lead photo courtesy of Pebble</em></p>It can't sacrifice advantages like long battery life.http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015
http://readwrite.com/2015/02/03/pebble-new-platform-smartwatch-2015MobileTue, 03 Feb 2015 10:16:37 -0800Adriana LeePebble Strikes Deal To Become The Smartwatch Of Choice For First Responders<!-- tml-version="2" --><div tml-image="ci01b28176f0018266" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a5.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTIyMzAyNDg2MTE0NTAxMjIy.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble has long been able to dish up phone alerts and pay for our Starbucks lattés. Now, it may even help save lives.&nbsp;</p><p>Pebble just <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/CommandWear/Pebble/prweb12463157.htm">struck a deal</a> with <a href="http://www.commandwear.com/">CommandWear System</a> to become a communication lifeline for first responders. CommandWear's platform aims to help emergency workers stay connected without compromising their “situational awareness,” by adding distractions that can compromise safety.&nbsp;</p><p>The mobile device and wearable-based system should allow firefighters, police, paramedics and other rescue workers to keep their senses alert and their hands on important tasks.&nbsp;</p><p>According to CommandWear founder and CEO Michael Morrow, “With the Pebble smartwatch, we have a solution that meets the demanding operational requirements of durability, long battery life and simplicity that all first responders need.” </p><p>Here’s how Pebble may serve those who serve us. </p><h2><strong>The Wrist Steps In When Communication Is Critical</strong></h2><div tml-image="ci01b2811500008266" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a4.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTIyMzAyMDY2MDEzMDEyNTgy.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>For Pebble, the move represents another step forward on its path to becoming a viable workplace wearable.&nbsp;</p><p>Originally positioned as a personal device for individual consumers, the startup is expanding into partnership territory with various companies, including Salesforce, LiveEnsure, Strap and Wolfram, with deals pending for more. The CommandWear deal thus becomes another building block in Pebble's enterprise plan.&nbsp;</p><p>The CommandWear system will use Pebble’s two-way texting capabilities, so emergency workers can receive messages from central command and send basic replies, without having to dig out a separate gadget.&nbsp;</p><p>However, those capabilities are less than robust. Pebble has no built-in text-authoring tools, like voice dictation—the watch has no microphone—so that essentially means pre-written, canned replies. </p><p>Other smartwatches boast voice features, making Pebble seem like an unlikely choice. But after CommandWear tested it with police, paramedics and others, the company found its benefits make up for the missing features.&nbsp;</p><p>Its simplicity is key, CommandWear found. Pebble has buttons instead of a touchscreen, so workers can operate the watch even while wearing gloves. The device is also durable enough to use in the field. Pebble has a waterproof rating of<strong>&nbsp;</strong>5 atmospheres, which means it's safe to wear even while swimming, (though not scuba diving).&nbsp;&nbsp;The e-paper display is especially practical. Since screen &nbsp;reflects light instead of being backlighted, there are no visibility challenges in direct sunlight.</p><h2><strong>Staying Focused On What's Important</strong></h2><div tml-image="ci01b280a4d0018266" tml-image-caption="" tml-render-layout="inline"><figure><img src="http://a3.files.readwrite.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTIyMzAxNTgzOTAyOTI4MTUz.jpg" /><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pebble's vibration alerts are strong enough to grab the wearer's attention in situations where it's tough to hear. “At festivals, concerts and other large public events, noise levels can be at a height where you can’t hear yourself think, let alone hear radio communications,” Rod Salem, director of emergency management operations at BC Ambulance, told ReadWrite. He notes that some workers have tried pilot-style headsets, and they help, but "they are cumbersome and not conducive to caring for patients in the field,” he said.</p><p>Pebble also offers long battery life. Android Wear gadgets tend to go for a day or two, at most. Pebble lasts five days on a single charge—perhaps even longer, when its integrated fitness-tracking features aren't running.</p><p>The deal comes as part of the debut of CommandWear 2.0, which gives its mobile app multimedia features for one-touch photo or video uploads and location tags.&nbsp;</p><p>According to CommandWear founder and CEO Michael Morrow, “With the Pebble smartwatch, we have a solution that meets the demanding operational requirements of durability, long battery life and simplicity that all first responders need.”</p><p>Communication among diverse emergency response units can be a critical issue, particularly when urgent disasters strike. Private and government organizations have been working on improving systems for radio communications and smartphones. Wearables like Pebble might be a big leap forward in helping those who help everyone else.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Lead photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nestorgalina/2319401560/in/photolist-4wXxh5-cALUQQ-cBZ4cd-4YxW7o-21TEFF-HDkvg-7B5LzZ-cETYZW-cEpmFd-4MELmh-7jQ1pB-cDQtjC-cFsm6y-4t1Rkz-cBm2fE-cBZ13m-6meTqN-4yfDU9-aXPuMg-cEpkCq-qTtL6-4ZKZdk-9Tyuqy-crABZo-i7jXNZ-7TxTJj-9mjCqX-acno1J-ezTghg-4z4GNv-7V4cWQ-cFsmtS-cEU1oy-cBm81s-dPFQ-ed6VWV-4N9LYW-DE7Sp-crAWY1-5ChCYY-bTRQ6k-cBm1Uw-paryos-cFsmSd-eenKrw-cDQva1-JjXZD-cEU4b9-7iSnft-cFsoH3">Nestor Galina</a>; all other photos by ReadWrite</em></p>CommandWear deal could let Pebbles save lives.http://readwrite.com/2015/01/22/pebble-commandwear-smartwatch-enterprise-first-responders-police-firefighters-paramedics
http://readwrite.com/2015/01/22/pebble-commandwear-smartwatch-enterprise-first-responders-police-firefighters-paramedicsMobileThu, 22 Jan 2015 13:26:46 -0800Adriana Lee